The Democratic candidate for governor said today that he would support legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use.
The Republican candidate for governor responded that he would not do that.
Right now, 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana, along with three U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Those include surrounding Ohio, Virginia and Maryland.
Ballot measures are coming up in Florida, South Dakota and North Dakota.
Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, Democratic candidate for governor, would add West Virginia to those states.
Williams emphasized that this critical issue should ultimately be decided by the people of West Virginia through a statewide referendum.
“West Virginia has an opportunity to join the growing number of states, including Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. that have taken bold steps to legalize cannabis, and I believe it’s time we give the people a voice on this issue. One avenue to move forward is to put legalization on the ballot and let voters decide,” Williams said in a statement released by his campaign.
Williams said West Virginia would benefit from significant economic benefits, including potential for increased tax revenue to support vital public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Williams emphasized that his support for legalization reflects his commitment to personal freedom and giving West Virginians the opportunity to decide for themselves. “Adults in our state deserve the right to make their own choices about cannabis, just as they do with alcohol and tobacco. The people should have the final say on this matter.”
The candidate also pointed to the potential for regulating the cannabis market to ensure consumer safety.
“By legalizing and regulating cannabis , we can create a safer, controlled environment for consumers and ensure that products are tested and free from harmful substances. My opponent opposes legalization because Big Pharma opposes it, “Williams said. “Patrick Morrisey wants to protect a lucrative revenue stream that has made billions for Big Pharma while wreaking havoc and bringing misery and death to West Virginia.”
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the Republican candidate for governor, responded that he is not in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
Morrisey instead pointed toward other drug issues facing West Virginia, including the continued effects of opioid addiction and deaths from the narcotic fentanyl. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues were involved in 76% of all drug overdose deaths occurring in West Virginia in 2021, according to state health statistics.
“I’m laser focused on doing everything we can to make sure we fight the opioid epidemic in WV. That means addressing the Chinese fentanyl coming in through the southern border and getting the victims the care they need. I’m not for adding more drugs into our state,” Morrisey said in a statement released by his campaign.